Description
How to make sticky sweet garlic butter chili chicken orzo with tender chicken, aromatic spices and buttery pasta in one cozy skillet dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Base
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
Flavor Builders
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and half the chili powder. Let sit 5 minutes while you prep other ingredients for better flavor absorption.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to plate and set aside.
- Build Base: Add 1 tablespoon butter to same skillet. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in remaining chili powder and smoked paprika, cooking 30 seconds. This blooms the spices and prevents any raw spice flavor in your finished dish.
- Cook Orzo: Add orzo, chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer 12-15 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Combine Everything: Return chicken to skillet and stir in remaining butter. Cook 2 minutes until chicken is heated through and sauce becomes glossy and sticky.
- Finish Dish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Let rest 2 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the chicken or it will become tough and dry in the final dish.
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days for best quality and safety.
- Substitute maple syrup for honey if preferred, using slightly less as it’s sweeter than honey.
- Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and that perfect sticky sauce consistency.
- Double the garlic if you love bold flavor since it mellows during the cooking process.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat if your family enjoys spicier food options.
Allergy Information: Gluten, Soy
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 32g